Written by
Densmore-Bey, Aisha S., American
Illustrated by
Adolemaiu-Bey, Aisha, American
Published by
Densmore-Bey, Aisha S., American
Signed by
Densmore-Bey, Aisha S., American
Date
2018
Medium
ink on paper (fiber product) and plastic
Dimensions
H x W x D (book): 9 × 11 5/8 × 1/4 in. (22.9 × 29.5 × 0.6 cm)
Caption
Miles is a children's book on design centered around a child of color, teaching children (and their parents) about architecture, graphic design, footwear design, automotive design, landscape architecture, product design, and more.
Description
A signed hardcover copy of a first-edition children's book with the title Who Made My Stuff? Miles Learns About Design.
The book's front cover is teal and features an illustration of a Black boy below the title. [WHO MADE MY STUFF?] is printed above the illustration in white uppercase Childish Reverie typeface.
The interior pages consist of a white title page with [WHO MADE MY STUFF?] printed in uppercase teal Childish Reverie typeface, while [Miles learns about design.] is printed in a different typeface below it. The title page is also signed by the author in black ink. The copyright page features black text with the copyright information and other details including typefaces used, ISBN, author's information etc. A third page is teal with white clouds and the word [Love.] printed in the center.
The remaining twenty-three (23) pages chronicle a conversation between a young boy, Miles, and his mother as they walk home from Miles' last day at school. As they walk, Miles tells his mother about his futile attempt to make a paper car, which prompts Miles to ask his mother, "Mommy, who made this park?" The rest of their conversation consists of Miles asking his mother who made various objects they encounter, including his sneakers, a sign, motor vehicles, the house etc. Later in the evening, Miles’ father joins the conversation and the line of inquiry continues. The last pages show Miles falling asleep and "dreaming of all the wonderful things he could design when he grows up."
The back cover, which is teal, features an illustration of Miles holding his mother's hand. Text above the illustration reads [A happy walk from school becomes extra special because Miles / learns that art, creativity, and design touch every aspect of our lives.] At the bottom, more text reads [Look for upcoming titles from Aisha Densmore-Bey].
Classification
Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
Books and Published Materials
Type
hardcover books
children's books
Topic
Children
Communication
Design
Education
Graphic design
Literature
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the creative office of Aisha Densmore-Bey ®, Designer
Object number
2023.9.1
Restrictions & Rights
© Aisha S. Densmore-Bey
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd56273e6a6-4894-429b-95f6-dbf0d9c6340a

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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